Archive
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Brown a doubt as weather threatens
EXPERIENCED striker Delroy Brown is set to miss Barnt Green Spartak's clash with Bromsgrove Rovers Reserves in the Worcestershire Senior Urn semi-finals tonight (7.45pm kick off). Brown, so often a key player for Spartak, misses his side's biggest game
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Games gift to Royal
GENEROUS pupils at a Worcester school have donated gifts and games to the children's ward of their local hospital. Pupils from Sunnyside School, in Barbourne, took the puzzles, board games and toys to Worcestershire Royal Hospital yesterday to cheer up
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Busy schedule provides lots to 'reflect' on
HANBURY band The Reflections have got a busy time coming up with a jam-packed schedule of gigs. The indie rockers will be performing the following gigs: l February 25 - The Swan, Upton Warren, 9pm, free entry. l March 4 - Country Girl, Hanbury Road, Stoke
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Hospital food
PATIENTS, staff and visitors at Worcestershire Royal Hospital are being reassured that it has not been caught up in the food contamination alert involving cancer-causing dye. National newspapers reported this morning that schools, hospitals, restaurants
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Getting their heads together for Thinking Day
YOUNG girls from across Droitwich got together to remember Guides and Brownies all over the world on the birthdays of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers, Young Leaders, Guiders and Unit Helpers from Girl Guiding Droitwich
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Villagers to fight on in homes row
PLANNERS have admitted flouting planning regulations over allowing a controversial housing development in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Malvern Hills District Council planning officers admitted the authority acted improperly in allowing the 15
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Library closes for the day
MALVERN library is set to temporarily shut its doors to the public next month for one day only to allow work to continue on a major £1.5m extension of the building. The library and learning centre, in Graham Road, will be shut all day on Saturday, March
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Striker spurs spirited Rovers
Saturday, February 19, 2005 Yate Town 2 Bromsgrove Rovers 2 Southern League Division One West DEBUTANT Carl Tranter sparked a Bromsgrove Rovers revival to ensure a deserved share of the points in an eventful promotion clash, after Yate had streaked into
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Witness plea on bag theft
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an elderly woman in Wythall was dragged along the ground by a thief stealing her handbag. The woman was walking along Three Oaks Road, off Lea Green Lane, on Monday at about 11.50am when a man grabbed her handbag
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Alert after bag snatch
A PENSIONER had her purse, containing £80, stolen while shopping in Redditch town centre. Police are warning residents to be on their guard following a recent spate of handbag and purse thefts. The 70-year-old woman had her purse taken from the bag on
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Car man chased off by public
A MEMBER of the public gave chase after spotting a man breaking into cars in Crabbs Cross. The man was forcing his way into the vehicles in a car park on Evesham Road at about 10.35pm on Tuesday, February 15, when he was disturbed by members of the public
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Council has seen sense
HOW nice it is to see common sense on display at Worcester City Council. The notion that parts of Cripplegate Park could be concreted over to create extra car parking spaces was always going to be a non-starter. While Coun Francis Lankester has denied
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BIG KEV JOINS STUDLEY
FORMER Birmingham City legend Kevin Francis has signed for Studley until the end of the season. The 6ft 7ins giant who started his glittering career off at Redditch United signed for the Bees on Saturday (February 19). Big Kev, who is emigrating to Canada
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Cross call
TWO professional football clubs have already scouted out some future Redditch footballing talent. Coventry City has signed up left sided player Gareth Cross (pictured left) from Oakenshaw and Cheltenham Town has secured the services of teenage goalkeeper
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Where to go
Wednesday, February 23 Music: Huw Warren Quartet, Birmingham Jazz, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. Film: A Very Long Engagement, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 8.30pm. Thursday, February 24 Comedy: Richard Herring, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
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ROD REELS IN GLEESON
A STRIKER has finally been found by Redditch United boss Rod Brown. Brown has been scouring the country for a hitman to bring in to add to stormin' Norman Sylla, Arthur Appleton and Kidderminster loan man Scott Rickards and thinks he's got the perfect
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'I'll wrap it up and go home'
"IF Sav goes I'll wrap it up and go home," said Studley boss Kevin Rowlands after Alvechurch put in a seven-day approach for Bees striker Anthony Savery. He added: "We lost Craig Pountney and James Beauchamp to Stratford earlier this season and obviously
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Cross call
TWO professional football clubs have already scouted out some future Redditch footballing talent. Coventry City has signed up left sided player Gareth Cross (pictured left) from Oakenshaw and Cheltenham Town has secured the services of teenage goalkeeper
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Kwame cooks up a storm
CASUALTY and Celebrity Fame Academy star Kwame Kwei-Armah takes to the stage at Birmingham's Repertory Theatre to star in his own award-winning play from Friday. Elmina's Kitchen, described as "a darkly hilarious firecracker of a play" is the story of
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Frain is fuming
PETER Frain was fuming with his keeper Greg Allen after a comedy of errors let a two goal lead slip away at Causeway. Frain described Allen as one of his most consistent players this season but showboating let in Causeway to steal a point in the last
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Foster steps in to defend sauce firm
FEARS that Worcester firm Lea & Perrins could be hit by a national food scare have prompted MP Michael Foster to defend the brand in Parliament. The Worcester MP has backed the company's assurances that their Worcestershire sauce is safe amid concerns
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Schools upgrade thanks to £50m boost
SCHOOLS in Worcestershire will receive almost £50m to improve facilities over the coming year. The cash has been ring-fenced by Worcestershire County Council to upgrade sites, build new schools and for large-scale reviews, such as in special educational
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Golden boy all set for his gong
WORCESTERSHIRE golden boy Leslie Law was due to pick up his MBE today from the Queen. The 39-year-old equestrian Olympic gold medallist said he was overwhelmed at receiving yet another title. He won individual Olympic gold and Great Britain team silver
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Cereal spiller on the loose
WORCESTER fund-raiser Sue Medcalf made a real splash when she launched the start of a new campaign to raise more than £400,000 for Cancer Research UK. The aim is for the public to hold a breakfast fund-raising session. All they need to do is contact the
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Bishop 'puzzled' by terror suspect arrest rule
THE Bishop of Worcester has weighed into the row over controversial plans to place terror suspects under house arrest without trial. The Rt Rev Peter Selby told the Lords he was "puzzled" as to why the Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, needed powers usually
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Jus' like a comedy legend
JEROME Flynn swaps his soldier's beret for a fez to portray Tommy Cooper in the Olivier Award-nominated comedy Jus' Like That! at the Alexandra Theatre from Monday. Best known from his TV role as Paddy in Soldier Soldier, Jerome Flynn has won critical
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Sign up to become bone marrow donor
DROITWICH'S rugby club is to play host to a special donor recruitment day to encourage more residents to sign up to be a bone marrow donor. Paul Edwards, junior manager of Droitwich Rugby Club, has organised the session after he was touched by the battle
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Landlord strikes back at council
A city landlord who has been told by Worcester City Council he faces a £2,500 fine if he does not clear up "unsightly" rubbish from his properties' gardens has hit back, claiming he has tried to remove the waste... but the council will not let him. The
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Bodyguards for anti-hunt politicians
MPs are being offered bodyguards amid mounting concerns over reprisal attacks in light of the hunting ban. Several high profile ministers have so far taken up police advice for 24-hour protection because of fears of violence as Labour steps up its election
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Hewell call cricketers
CRICKET: Hewell Cricket Club is on the lookout for new members to join its ranks for the 2005 season. Prospective new members have been invited to attend the club's pre-season indoor net practice on Friday at St Augustine's Sports Centre, Hunt End, from
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Plots for homes
DISUSED council land in Lakeside has been earmarked for transfer to a developer to build up to 36 homes. Plans to sell the Redditch Council land to build around 21 homes on Sillins Avenue and 15 behind Farm Road were given backing at a recent executive
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Camera decision
WYTHALL residents are to benefit from a CCTV system if Bromsgrove councillors give the scheme the go-ahead next week. Plans have been drawn up to install cameras in Hollywood and Station Road, Drakes Cross. The scheme has been placed in Bromsgrove Council's
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Put pen to paper over path
STUDLEY residents who once used a path through the site of the old Duke of Marlborough pub car park are being asked to send a letter saying so to the parish council. The Advertiser reported last week how the parish council wanted a route through the site
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Plans may be refused
IT looks as if plans for a large residential development at the heart of Studley are heading for rejection by Stratford District Council's planning committee. The plans for 19 flats and five houses on the site of the former Co-op Pioneer store, next to
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City shine with five-star show
REJUVENATED Worcester City turned in one of their finest away performances of the season last night to win 2-0 at Lancaster City. Second-half strikes from Adam Webster and Nick Colley were just reward for a solid and cultured display at the Giant Axe,
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Smith starts with victory
WORCESTER City Amateur Boxing Club welterweight Shane Smith stopped Mike Min-chin from Gloucester in the first round of his debut bout. There were some good exchanges during the start of the round with both boxers eager to impress the Chippenham crowd
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Defford warm up in style
DEFFORD and Besford United warmed up for their county cup semi-final by moving off the bottom of the Evesham Sunday League Division Two with a fine win over promotion-seeking Broadway. Pete Croy scored twice with Lawson adding a third for the winners,
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Nightmare for Ledbury
A NIGHTMARE start for Ledbury Rugby Club saw them 19-0 down after 20 minutes of their Midlands Three West (South) clash at Earlsdon. Barrett Price kicked two penalties to make it 19-6 but, just before half-time, the Earlsdon winger snuck in for a try
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Rovers compete for Urn final test
BROMSGROVE Rovers Reserves compete for a place in the Worcestershire Senior Urn final tonight (7.45pm). The Rovers second string take on Barnt Green Spartak in a derby clash at Alvechurch's Lye Meadow ground. In the other semi-final, Travel Factory Alliance
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Village road 'does not meet criteria'
ASTWOOD Bank residents will not get the speed cameras they are lobbying for on the A441 between the Church Road junction and Crabbs Cross island - despite concerns over pedestrians' safety. A traffic survey carried out by an Evesham Road resident recorded
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Path plea falls on deaf ears
AN Inkberrow county councillor made a last-ditch attempt to have more money set aside to repair footpaths in next year's Worcestershire budget - but was accused of "political opportunism". Councillor Liz Tucker claimed elderly residents in her ward were
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Doctor's orders!
THE Ullenhall Players are bringing their successful production, It Runs in the Family, to the Palace Theatre for a short run, beginning today. Written by Ray Cooney and directed by Adam Schumacher, the highly acclaimed farce is set in the doctors' common
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23/2/05 - Sixways battles freezing weather
WORCESTER Warriors have all the angles covered as they bid to beat the freeze. The Sixways side, who face Sale Sharks on Friday night, have had the pitch covered since Saturday as temperatures plummeted. Worcester will be looking for their third Premiership
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23/2/05 - Harriers poised to sign striker
STUART Watkiss plans to sign striker Mark Rawle after Kidderminster Harriers hit another brick wall in their relegation fight last night. Though Harriers ended a run of three defeats by drawing 1-1 at home to Bristol Rovers, results did not go their way
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Waiting for collection
IN response to the recent article 'Rubbish - why can't we do something about it?' We and only we can! If we don't do anything, nothing will change. We complain but never to the right people. My wife complained because the collectors left bags at the roadside
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Public did not respond
AS I was the secretary of the RSJC Bowling Club, Rubery, when the green was offered to us I feel I must respond to the article about the green in last week's edition. I am no longer involved with the club, and have not been for several years, so I feel
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Cameras are a bonus
HAVING read the recent article regarding the operation of CCTV cameras in Bromsgrove, I was disappointed with the views of some residents. Working in the town centre where we liase with CCTV operators and police on a regular basis has proved invaluable
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25 years ago February 22, 1980
THE derelict former National School in Bromsgrove's Crown Close could be brought back to life as a culture and social centre for the town, it was revealed. The district council was considering putting in a bid to buy the vandalised building, which closed
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50 years ago February 26, 1955
FEARS that the unique character of Barnt Green would disappear if a housing development went ahead was expressed at a planning inquiry held at the Council House in Bromsgrove. The district council was opposed to the building of six houses, one to the
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Brown a doubt as weather threatens
EXPERIENCED striker Delroy Brown is set to miss Barnt Green Spartak's clash with Bromsgrove Rovers Reserves in the Worcestershire Senior Urn semi-finals tonight (Wednesday, 7.45pm kick off). Brown, so often a key player for Spartak, misses his side's
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Taylor's suspension woe
Barnt Green Spartak 3 West Midlands Police 0 MIDFIELDER Anthony Taylor will miss almost all of the rest of the season after the FA slapped him with a 42 day ban this week. Taylor, who was sent off for violent conduct in January's defeat to Leamington,
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Maynard leaves it late to win derby
Bromsgrove Rovers Reserves 2 Worcester City Reserves 1 ROVERS cemented their place at the top of the Midland Combination Reserve Division with a priceless win over their derby rivals. Victory ensured that Rovers maintained their four point lead over second
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Luck's in!
REDDITCH racer Mike Luck and his 24:7 Motorsport team have confirmed their entry into the 2005 SCSA Racing Championship with support from Italian hand tool manufacturer Beta. The championship, formerly Days of Thunder, saw Luck finish as runner-up in
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Bell makes double figures in Himley win
Droitwich Spa Reserves 3 Himley Athletic Reserves 1 DROITWICH comfortably overcame Himley in the Midland Combination Division Three on Saturday. In a one sided match Spa were always in control against the bottom side. Rob Bell claimed his tenth goal of
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Girls aloud
WE have read in your paper that Wychavon District Council wishes to demolish the Droitwich lido. We are against the idea and during the past week we have put together a petition - 'Do you want to save the Lido?' We have passed it round to many pupils
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Benefit old
I WAS please to read of the new initiative of agencies working together to process information for benefits. Several months ago myself and the chairs of Wyre Forest and Evesham Older Peoples Forums met with the Minister for Pensions, Malcom Wickes, and
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Verity sets sights on West End spot
A PLACE at a top theatre school has been won by a local teenager. Fourteen-year-old Verity Evans, from College Green, Droitwich Spa, competed against thousands of other youngsters to win a place at the Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in Lon-don. Verity,
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19/02/05 - Indomitable Lions stun Boars
Bromsgrove 22 Leicester Lions 25 FLY-HALF Matt Birch missed a penalty kick as Bromsgrove wasted a golden chance to end the Midlands Division One leader's winning run on Saturday. Bromsgrove were minutes away from a victory and stalling the Lions' title
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Designers join in new venture
A TRIO of designers who were made redundant from a Redditch firm have decided to go it alone and form their own company. Jonathan Prior, of Redditch, Paul Shaw, of Bromsgrove and Ian Mellings, of Alcester, have set up Arrow Design Engineering Ltd in Kings
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Alliance comes home
A RUBBER seal company has returned to its "spiritual home" of Redditch after 10 years away. Alliance Seals Limited has moved to a large purpose-converted factory in Enfield Industrial Estate, Windsor Road, from Alcester. The 15-year-old company is a leading
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Kidderminster Harriers 1 Bristol Rovers 1
Tuesday, February 22, 2005 KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' first draw under Stuart Watkiss was not exactly what the doctor ordered on a night when both their relegation rivals won. Harriers, who last tied a game on October 2 at home to Cambridge United, could
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News... a fine paper
I WRITE to express my support for the Evening News in response to the accusations of racism from the chief executive of the Worcester Racial Equality Council. Having moved to Worcestershire from Birmingham three years ago, I have always been pleased at
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23/2/05 - Second-half show earns vital points
IT has been an outstanding week for Worcester City with two deserved victories in the space of four days. We have now got to build on these back-to-back wins over Vauxhall Motors and Lancaster City in Nationwide North and try to push on further in the
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This was the last legal tally-ho!
HUNDREDS of hunt supporters turned out to mark the last legal Worcestershire Hunt in its traditional form. Huntsmen and about 400 people met last Thursday at Park Hall, Bradley Green, before the Hunting Act came into force the following day. Worcestershire
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A sign of the times
MYSTERY surrounds the disappearance of two signs which have been part of the street scene in Bromsgrove since Queen Victoria's reign. One theory is that they may have been stolen by unscrupulous collectors. Both signs were set high up on the side of buildings
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Shark Tale (U)
HOT on the fins of Finding Nemo is computer-generated underwater children's comedy, Shark Tale. The story centres on a smooth-talking fish named Oscar (Will Smith) who is constantly in a scrape. A series of events leaves Oscar sitting next to a dead shark
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Shock in store for disabled who park in town
DISABLED drivers in Bromsgrove will be charged to park in the town from the summer. The charge will be introduced to coincide with the introduction of the Shop Mobility scheme which will enable disabled people to use buggies to get around the town. Members
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Mayor's grand tour
SPA mayor Anne Taft had a grand tour of a new motor showroom last week. Droitwich Garage has moved from Hanbury Road and St George's Square to a new site on the Kidderminster Road and the town mayor had the chance to go and have a look around. Company
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Pony man sent to jail
A MAN who pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to three ponies after keeping them in "diabolical" conditions was sentenced to a jail term and banned from keeping animals for life. Derek Thomas Monkton, 61, from Broad Street, Sidemoor, Bromsgrove
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Golden days
A ROMANTIC trip away for St Valentine's day helped one Spa couple celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Seventy-one-year-old Bill Gandy, of Winslow Avenue, married the girl next door, or actually the girl from two doors down, when he was 21 after
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Tributes after civic leader dies
TRIBUTES have been paid after the death of a long serving former Bromsgrove councillor and businessman. Michael Scanlan was chairman of Bromsgrove District Council in 1993. He served on the authority for 12 years representing the people of Alvechurch.
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Fish killed by sewage
HUNDREDS of fish were killed in a river near Bromsgrove after a sewerage works polluted it. Seven Trent Water pleaded guilty at Redditch Magistrates Court after releasing poorly treated sewerage into the River Salwarpe from its Bromsgrove sewerage treatment
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Mixed report
BROMSGROVE District Council is doing good things to improve recycling but is falling down in other areas including street cleaning. This is the verdict of the Audit Commission which gives Bromsgrove District Council's waste management one star out of
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Call for new footbridge
PEDESTRIANS who have to cross the A38 Westlands roundabout may find their journeys safer in the future if plans to create a crossing are given the green light. Town councillors discussed plans to improve safety at the roundabout at the entrance to the
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Mobile phone's wrong number
TOWN councillors refused to back a planning application to install a new generation phone mast at the Droitwich Spa water tower at a meeting of the planning committee on Monday night. The proposal, submitted to Wychavon District Council by One 2 One Personal
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It's standing room only
THERE was standing room only when townsfolk turned out in force to try and save the lido. Around 200 people packed in to last Wednesday's meeting of Wychavon District Council's overview and scrutiny committee. Many people could not find seats and had
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Bring back travel tokens
CASH-strapped pensioners could see travel tokens and car park concessions restored if a proposal to Wychavon District Council is given the green light. At last night (Tuesday's) full council meeting, Liberal Democrat councillors were due to propose that
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It's time to clean up
CREATIVE children could clean up in a district council poster competition aimed to make a difference in 'Poop a Scoop' week. Pupils aged between five and from schools around Droitwich Spa are being asked to design a poster encouraging dog owners to clean
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Daryl Hall & John Oates Our Kind of Soul
Bad taste 80s mullet heroes Hall and Oates don't exactly challenge expectations with this pointless mish-mash of soul covers and original tunes. Never ones to underplay the cheese factor, it's easy to accuse them of 'plastic' soul but this collection
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Bloc Party Silent Alarm
Unfortunately Franz Ferdinand have already beaten Bloc Party to the - dare I say it, party - but that hasn't stopped clever management types seeing a gap-filled market and going for it. The truth is the London-based foursome, hailed as the new FF aren't
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The Grudge (15)
THIS horror flick does a really poor job of trying to conceal the fact that it's a poor man's version of The Ring. An American nurse (Sarah Michelle Gellar) finds herself caught up in a series of gruesome, unexplained murders while on work experience
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Youngsters on the ball for half-term
HUNDREDS of Redditch youngsters discovered it is fun to get fit during half-term as two sports centres put on a range of activities. Kingsley College and Arrow Vale sports centres organised a range of activities for youngsters to get involved in, including
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'He was one of a kind'
TRIBUTES have been paid to Alvechurch community stalwart Michael Scanlan, who died on Saturday. Mr Scanlan died in hospital where he was taken after a fall. He was born in Donegal in 1918 and moved to Redditch with his wife, Nancy, after the war. He later
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Father sparks security scare
A FATHERS4JUSTICE campaigner and prospective parliamentary candidate for Redditch sparked a security scare when Tony Blair visited the Midlands last week. John Ison, a spokesman for the controversial campaign group, led a group of 10 fathers up to Mr
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Love is in the air
WEDDING bells were in the air on Sunday as hundreds of brides and grooms-to-be flocked to the Abbey Hotel for the Redditch Advertiser and Alcester Chronicle Wedding Fair. The hotel was full to capacity as people got the chance to find everything they
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Go ahead for 'stark' design
PLANS to tear down the Palace Theatre's three-storey extension and replace it with a contemporary design has been given the full backing of Redditch's planning committee. But there were concerns about the "stark" look of the new glass extension. Councillors
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Secret Hewell delight
CONSERVATIONISTS have spent nearly nine years restoring Hewell Grange Lake near Redditch to its former glory - but the public is unlikely to see it. Major work has been carried out to improve the lake's water supply after a period of 'drying out' between
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A great haul to China
STAFF from a Redditch residential home will be trekking along the Great Wall of China to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society. Sue Parkinson and two colleagues from Bowood Mews in Batchley are already gearing up for the event in October but need to
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Droitwich Spa RFC First XV fixtures 2004/2005
HOME, away (Midlands Three West (South) fixtures unless stated) SEPTEMBER Sat 4 STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 22-32 Sat 11 BARKERS BUTTS 7-20 Sat 18 Bridgnorth (Powergen Intermediate Cup First Round) 22-27 Sat 25 Hereford 14-37 OCTOBER Sat 2 OLD LEAMINGTONIANS
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No end in sight for soggy saga
A BATCHLEY man is desperate for either Redditch Council or Severn Trent Water to take responsibility for the state of his garden, which has been waterlogged for two years. Homeowner Trevor Goode, of Foxlydiate Crescent, says his garden is constantly covered
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Truancy fines scheme given the thumbs-up
TOUGH new measures to fine parents whose children repeatedly truant from school have been welcomed by Redditch county councillors. Cross-party support was given at the county's full council meeting on Thursday for the plans to slap parents with £50 on-the-spot
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Hopwood WI
THE February meeting began with business matters. Hopwood will host the spring group meeting and ideas have already been set in motion with a theme of restoration. The annual council meeting takes place on March 22 and Peggy Mitchell will be the representative
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Hall double sees off rivals
HOCKEY: Redditch 1st XI 1 Bromsgrove 1st XI 3 PETE Hall bagged a brace as Bromsgrove inflicted a rare home defeat on fierce local rivals Redditch on Saturday. The Boars maintained their recent excellent form, winning their third match in a row, and all
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Poor first round ensures Malaysian malaise
A NIGHTMARE first round ensured Droitwich professional golfer John Bickerton could not progress past round two of the Carlsberg Malaysian Open. Bickerton missed the cut after recording a three-over-par score of 147 over two rounds. In round one Bickerton
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Kington with Dormston WI
IN January, members met for the ''Christmas Dinner'' at The Boot. The food, presentation and service were excellent and everyone had a lovely evening. At the February meeting, the minutes were read and approved. Judy Smith and Doreen Baker were wished
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Redditch Music Society
THE Montpellier String Trio provided a delightful evening's music for the February concert. Opening with Mozart's Adagio and Fugue in F, they continued with Beethoven's Serenade in D with a lesser-known work, Jean Francaix's lovely Trio in B flat. An
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Goulding holds nerve as Blaze edge Warley
Bromsgrove Blaze 63 Warley 62 SAM GOULDING sealed a close victory for Bromsgrove Blaze Basketball team and avenged defeat at the hands of Warley earlier in the season. Goulding's late free throw in the game's dying seconds handed Blaze victory in the
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The Redditch Society
THE speaker on February 4 was David de Haan of the Ironbridge Museum Trust, an organisation established some years ago to maintain the original structures of the area together with the famous bridge. Prior to the restoration of the bridge, begun in 1972
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Weighing up career choice
YOUNGSTERS in Year 11 can learn about the choices open to them this year by attending an event at NEW College tomorrow. Following a huge response to its last open evening, the college will again open its doors to school leavers and their parents. There
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25 years ago
February 22, 1980 REDDITCH'S brave fire fighting team blazed a frantic trail to Woodrow when they got a message that a factory fire alarm had been triggered off. Blue lights flashing, sirens wailing, the gallant crew arrived at Harrison Brothers in Pipers
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50 years ago
February 25, 1955 NINE-year-old "Shadow" - a mare from the Hollywood Road School, Wythall - was drinking from a trough alongside a wall of the school on Saturday when another horse started to kick her. "Shadow" panicked and started to run away but slipped
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100 years ago
February 25, 1905 ARTHUR James, baker, Market Place, was charged with having no control over a horse and cart in Queen Street on the 15th inst. Police Constable Green stated that defendant's horse and trap was left unattended for a quarter of an hour.
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19/02/05 - Old Leams leave sour taste for Spa
Old Leamingtonians 44 Droitwich 8 PATCHED-up Droitwich found their Warwickshire rivals too-hot-to-handle on Saturday. A side missing a host of first team players faded badly in the second half after matching Old Leamingtonians in the first period. So
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Police set for new powers
The troubled Hopkins Precinct is to become the first area in Alcester to benefit from new police powers to move on nuisance youths. From Friday, police can use the 'Section 30 Order' allowing them to disperse gangs of youths and escort loitering youngsters
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Grants to help groups
CLUBS and societies in Alcester are to receive a boost after town councillors agreed to hand out more than £7,000 in grants. Although subject to confirmation at next month's full town council meeting, it is likely more than 20 groups will benefit - some
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Groups needed to step forward
A REDDITCH charity is pleading for organisations to get in touch - because it has no good cause to donate its hard-earned cash to. Redditch Big Hearts has raised more than £50,000 since it started in 1986 and recently moved base to Rocklands Social Club
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Silence is so golden
PUPILS' lips were sealed at Alcester Grammar School when they raised nearly £500 for the Macmillan Cancer Trust. Year 7 pupils Robert Hermitage, Amber Hughes and Joseph Sheridan were among those taking part in the "Big Hush".
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Volunteers bid farewell
THREE volunteers from Primrose Hospice's Studley shop are retiring after working at the facility since it opened eight years ago. Husband and wife Sheila and Vernon Farrow and Eve Thorbes have kept the shop thriving through the good and not-so-good times
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Injured in crash
A KINGS Coughton woman suffered whiplash after her car and an articulated lorry were involved in a collision last Friday. The Volkswagon Golf was stationery and waiting to turn off the A46 at Redhill, towards Binton, when the incident happened at 5.15pm
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Region's skills shortfall
THE three main political parties were today challenged by the West Midlands business community to fund skills training. The call comes after a significant shortfall in skilled people for available jobs was revealed. In Worcestershire and Herefordshire
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New arrival
A new Chief Fire Officer/ Chief Executive has been appointed to Hereford and Worcester Fire Service. Paul Hayden started his career in the West Midlands in 1978 and has also served at the Fire Service College, Suffolk Fire Service and is currently Deputy
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Pupils' clean sweep
YOUNGSTERS from Birchensale Middle School helped Batchley Pond clean up its act last week as part of the YMCA's "Dreamscheme". The project aims to keep youngsters amused and also enables them to give something back to the community. Joining them for their
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Students' marketing schemes score with city's sports bosses
STUDENTS at University College Worcester have impressed the sports business world with their ideas. Sports Studies undergraduates were asked to develop and present marketing plans to a range of clubs and leisure groups, as part of a Marketing Module.
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Foreign tourists to bring in £54.4m
BUSINESSES in Hereford and Worcester are on course to earn around £54.4m from international visitors this year, according to new figures. The numbers, compiled for British Travel Trade Fair, are based on the projected growth rates for the UK as a whole
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Jackie's jumper joy
WOMEN and children in The Gambia are once again set to benefit thanks to the hard work and dedication of a woman from Gorcott Hill. Jackie Gregory has been collecting, boxing and shipping out thousands of jumpers to The Gambia, with the help of WIs across
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Jail for tool thief
A man who was arrested trying to steal tools from a Redditch shopping centre has been jailed for a month. But because the offence was committed while Andrew Cooper was out on licence, Judge David McEvoy QC ordered him to also serve the unexpired 200 days
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Tragic roundabout
A HUNT End driver involved in a collision at Crabbs Cross traffic island feels it is only a matter of time before someone is killed. Paul Stokes, of Lea Croft Road, suffered whiplash in a collision with another car last Wednesday and feels urgent safety
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Singers to add vocal variety
ONE of the talented groups hoping to wow crowds at Redditch's Community Arts Festival Event (CAFE) later this year will be the Bel Canto Singers. In the 15 years since the late Des Evans formed Bel Canto, the choir has gone from strength to strength.
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Busy schedule provides lots to 'reflect' on
HANBURY band The Reflections have got a busy time coming up with a jam-packed schedule of gigs. The indie rockers will be performing the following gigs: l February 25 - The Swan, Upton Warren, 9pm, free entry. l March 4 - Country Girl, Hanbury Road, Stoke
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Where to go
Wednesday, February 23 Music: Huw Warren Quartet, Birmingham Jazz, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. Film: A Very Long Engagement, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 8.30pm. Thursday, February 24 Comedy: Richard Herring, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
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Technicolour treat
THE longest running touring stage musical of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, arrives at Malvern's Festival Theatre for a short run from Monday. The Biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colours, was the
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Jus' like a comedy legend
JEROME Flynn swaps his soldier's beret for a fez to portray Tommy Cooper in the Olivier Award-nominated comedy Jus' Like That! at the Alexandra Theatre from Monday. Best known from his TV role as Paddy in Soldier Soldier, Jerome Flynn has won critical
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What's On Guide
Thursday, February 24 The Who's Tommy, Birmingham Hippodrome. Until February 26. Tickets from 0870 730 1234. Drowning on Dry Lane by Alan Ayckbourn, Festival Theatre, Malvern. Until February 26. Tickets from 01684 892277. City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
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Josh Rouse Nashville
For those turned off by the sounds of country music, don't be put off by the title of singer/songwriter Josh Rouse's fifth album. Nashville is the first offering I have heard from Rouse and it had a similar effect to hearing David Gray for the first time
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Daryl Hall & John Oates Our Kind of Soul
Bad taste 80s mullet heroes Hall and Oates don't exactly challenge expectations with this pointless mish-mash of soul covers and original tunes. Never ones to underplay the cheese factor, it's easy to accuse them of 'plastic' soul but this collection
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Bloc Party Silent Alarm
Unfortunately Franz Ferdinand have already beaten Bloc Party to the - dare I say it, party - but that hasn't stopped clever management types seeing a gap-filled market and going for it. The truth is the London-based foursome, hailed as the new FF aren't
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Indomitable Lions stun Boars
Bromsgrove RFC 22 Leciester Lions RFC 25 FLY-HALF Matt Birch missed a penalty kick as Bromsgrove wasted a golden chance to end the Midlands Division One leader's winning run on Saturday. Bromsgrove were minutes away from a victory and stalling the Lions
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Hard going as Worcester chills out
THERE will be no need for wellies in Worcester as the blizzards forecast across the Midlands for tonight and tomorrow will miss the Faithful City according to Evening News weatherman Paul Damari. "Substantial snow has been forecast all week, but here
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Go digital, or face a screen of static
THE Government plans to switch off traditional television transmission in Worcestershire in 2010 - meaning viewers will have to buy a digital receiver. The transition to digital is being hailed as the biggest revolution in television since the change
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Appeal after two-car crash
POLICE are appealing for witnesses following yesterday's accident when two cars collided head-on near Hallow leaving four people needing hospital treatment. The woman driver of a white Renault Clio was taken by air ambulance to Cheltenham General Hospital
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Thanks in the air
FUND-RAISERS have been thanked by the County Air Ambulance for helping to make 2004 a success. The year saw a series of alterations in the service, including expansion to cover seven days a week, rather than five, and six permanent crew being hired. The
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Student Kelly's search for a model
A SNIP-happy Malvern woman's dreams of becoming a full-qualified hairdresser could face the chop - because she can't find a willing volunteer. Twenty-seven-year-old Kelly Hibbert, of Marsh Close, Malvern, has been training at Malvern College for the past
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Malvern Town FC - Fixtures/Results - 2004/5 Season
The Travel Factory Midland Football Alliance Saturday, February 26: Rushall Olympic v Malvern Town (3.00). Saturday, March 5: Malvern Town v Barwell (3.00). Saturday, March 12: Racing Club Warwick v Malvern Town (3.00). Saturday, March 19: Ludlow Town
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Paul spot on to rescue Rovers
Saturday, February 12, 2005 Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Egham 0 Southern League Division One West STRIKER Paul Szewczyk saved toothless Bromsgrove Rovers' blushes from the penalty spot, as basement boys Egham came close to taking an unexpected share of the points
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Keys theft ordeal
TWO thieves smashed down the front door of a Wythall house and demanded the homeowner hand over his car keys. The thieves entered the porch of the Meadow Road home last Tuesday at about 8pm and ordered the man to give them his car keys. When he refused
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Trailer
A TRAILER worth £15,000 was stolen from a lay-by on the A435 near to the Maypole island in Hollywood. Thieves took the trailer overnight on Tuesday, February 15. It is about 45ft long, with a blue flatbed and the name TransRent on it. Anyone with information
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Youth fought back
A WYTHALL teenager fought back when he was accosted by a youth demanding money. Police in Wythall are appealing for information after the attempted robbery in Oakwood Road at about 8.45pm on Saturday. The 15-year-old youth was approached by the assailant
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23/02/05 - Rovers face injury headache
DEFENDER Ross Collins could miss Bromsgrove Rovers' crucial promotion clash at in-form Clevedon Town on Saturday. The influential defender limped off mid-way through the first half in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Yate. And it looks as though Collins might not
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It's still one of the best
Review - Tommy at the Hippodrome Theatre, Birmingham, until Saturday. PULSATING and powerful. A rock opera that has lost none of its magic or appeal in the 36 years since it was originally devised and recorded by one of my favourite groups, The Who. Tommy
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BIG KEV JOINS STUDLEY
FORMER Birmingham City legend Kevin Francis has signed for Studley until the end of the season. The 6ft 7ins giant who started his glittering career off at Redditch United signed for the Bees on Saturday (February 19). Big Kev, who is emigrating to Canada
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Ross shows who's boss
ROSS "The Boss" Mason electrified a packed out Aston Events Centre after a second round knockout of rescheduled opponent Charlie "The Ninja" Francis on Sunday night. Mixed martial artist Mason, who hadn't fought since September was roared on by a small
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Bromsgrove RFC First XV fixtures 2004/2005
HOME, away (Midlands One fixtures unless stated) SEPTEMBER Sat 4 BROADSTREET 29-0 Sat 11 Dunstablians 31-42 Sat 25 KETTERING 19-38 OCTOBER Sat 2 Leicester Lions 17-54 Sat 9 LUCTONIANS 17-12 Sat 23 Derby 16-9 Sat 30 LONGTON 32-15 NOVEMBER Sat 13 Scunthorpe
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Charity trek
RAISING cash for the British Heart Foundation will be the aim of a sponsored wilderness trek in the Himalayas for a pair of Redditch friends next month. Rachel Hind and Jane Nixon will tackle the six-day trek in Nepal next month, clambering up to 13,500ft
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Evening concert boost
A GROUP of musicians will be performing at an evening of musical entertainment this weekend to raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospital. The music will be provided by Trinity College, London's Redditch centre after one of its students, eight-year-old
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Field fires Feckenham
Feckenham 2 Coventry Marconi 1 THE Millers continued their unbelievable form in 2005 after rolling over a Marconi team who had lost just five times this season. Lee Adams' men rode their luck at times but emerged with a deserved three points continuing
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Brrr! We've been left out in the cold
PENSIONERS and other members of the public were frozen out of the city's main post office yesterday after the security system locked everyone out of the building. The main office for Worcester, on Foregate Street, had its doors closed to customers all
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Death knell for spa town Lido
THE final death knell has sounded for Droitwich Lido after councillors voted to send in the bulldozers. Following years of battling by campaign group SALT - Save a Lido Today - to reopen the derelict pool, the final nail in its coffin was hammered in
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U-turn over Cripplegate
DISPUTED plans to expand a car park in Worcester's Cripplegate Park could be dropped, with private spaces nearby bought instead. The city council has put its proposals for creating an extra 76 spaces in Cripplegate on hold until it looks into using existing
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Technicolour treat
THE longest running touring stage musical of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, arrives at Malvern's Festival Theatre for a short run from Monday. The Biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colours, was the
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Ranger's call to help catch phantom fence cutter
A DOG-walking vandal with wire cutters is being blamed for repeatedly cutting through a fence to let his large pet have a swim in a protected pond. And now a Worcester City Council ranger hopes people can help stop the problem walker using the pond on
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We're open to other offers
THE relocation of Worcester City Football Club has taken another turn after owners of the club's preferred site said they would listen to offers from other parties. A sign has been erected at Nunnery Way encouraging interested groups to make enquiries
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Search for the cutest junior
THE hunt is on to find the most beautiful babies in Worcestershire as the Evening News prepares to launch Baby of the Year 2005. Proud parents will be lining up to have their babies and toddlers photographed in Angel Place when the competition starts
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WODYS seeks piano player for rehearsals
A LEADING county theatre group is on the lookout for a "flexible" pianist as the company begins rehearsals for its next show Les Misrables (schools version). The piano player should be of Grade 7 or 8 standard with a leaning towards rock-style and be
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Farm subsidy meeting today
SCORES of farmers are set to head for the Malvern Hills today to find out about new subsidies being awarded in one of the biggest changes facing the industry in 30 years. A total of 600 farmers are due to attend the two sessions at Malvern's Three Counties
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What's On Guide
Thursday, February 24 The Who's Tommy, Birmingham Hippodrome. Until February 26. Tickets from 0870 730 1234. Drowning on Dry Lane by Alan Ayckbourn, Festival Theatre, Malvern. Until February 26. Tickets from 01684 892277. City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
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Chris follows family footsteps
ALCESTER fencer Christopher Brenda came second in the under 17 section of the National Junior League recently. It's the 16-year-old Alcester High School pupil's first major achievement in the sport and is on his way in emulating his brothers' outstanding
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'We need a miracle'
REDDITCH captain Ashely Freeman says his side need a miracle to gain promotion this year after going down 3-1 to neighbours Bromsgrove on Saturday. Bromsgrove took a first half lead and doubled their tally after the interval. Redditch's Anthony Brookes
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Bullseye on a summer start
DARTS: A meeting for Astwood Bank darts league's summer competition has been set. The Astwood Bank Summer Darts League meeting has been pencilled in for Monday, March 7, at the Coach House Pub in Astwood Bank. Teams from Astwood Bank, Redditch and the
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Five star
LEISURE LEAGUE: Table toppers Allstars have been firing on all cylinders after a 5-1 win against ABFC last week. Jordonians took the kudos after beating Hurricanes 5-4 and move with three points of Allstars. RJFS beat Key Systems United 8-2 and Chelski
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Wythall's dog fight
TENNIS: Wythall B were pushed back into the Division 4 relegation fight by a 3-1 defeat against leaders Warwick Boat Club. Wythall's Kevin Turner and Joe Singleton played Ayton and Skidmore first and lost 6-3 6-4. Then second pair Rob Spencer and Colin
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Plea for changes to island
ABBEYDALE residents are still calling for changes to lane markings at a busy traffic island - but it looks unlikely they will get their way. The "Sainsbury's" island on the A441 Alvechurch Highway was the source of much controversy two years ago when
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Harriers poised to sign striker
STUART Watkiss plans to sign striker Mark Rawle after Kidderminster Harriers hit another brick wall in their relegation fight last night. Though Harriers ended a run of three defeats by drawing 1-1 at home to Bristol Rovers, results did not go their way
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Sixways battles freezing weather
WORCESTER Warriors have all the angles covered as they bid to beat the freeze. The Sixways side, who face Sale Sharks on Friday night, have had the pitch covered since Saturday as temperatures plummeted. Worcester will be looking for their third Premiership
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Westfield book Edgar Street date
WESTFIELDS went through to the Herefordshire Senior Cup final with a hard-working 3-1 win at Bromyard Town last night. The Hereford side, who had beaten Ledbury Town away in the previous round, got off to a flying start against their West Midlands League
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Meeting to hear opinions
THE future of transport in the area will be the focus at a county meeting for the public at Redditch Town Hall. Worcestershire County Council is formulating its five-year Local Transport Plan (LTP) covering 2006-2011 and need the public to have their
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Warehouse given nod
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new storage warehouse and production unit in Washford were given the go-ahead after a heated hour-long debate at Redditch Council. Despite Mappleborough Green residents' fears about noise, traffic and noxious fumes, councillors
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ROD REELS IN GLEESON
A STRIKER has finally been found by Redditch United boss Rod Brown. Brown has been scouring the country for a hitman to bring in to add to stormin' Norman Sylla, Arthur Appleton and Kidderminster loan man Scott Rickards and thinks he's got the perfect
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Indomitable Lions stun Boars
Bromsgrove 22 Leicester Lions 25 FLY-HALF Matt Birch missed a penalty kick as Bromsgrove wasted a golden chance to end the Midlands Division One leader's winning run on Saturday. Bromsgrove were minutes away from a victory and stalling the Lions' title
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Old Leams leave sour taste for Spa
Old Leamingtonians 44 Droitwich 8 PATCHED-up Droitwich found their Warwickshire rivals too-hot-to-handle on Saturday. A side missing a host of first team players faded badly in the second half after matching Old Leamingtonians in the first period. So
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Malvern mauled as juniors romp to victory
Bromsgrove U7s 5 Malvern U7s 5 The young Boars were victorious after tries for Thomas Rhys-Morris and Adam Goldney. Bromsgrove U7s 35 Malvern U7s 25 Jeremy Turner scored a hat-trick of tries, while Goldney, Jonathan Howcroft, Rhys-Morris and Harry Lloyd-Jones
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Hunters sound warning at the end of an era
LAST Wednesday evening as dusk fell I got off my horse for the last time after conducting an activity that I have been taking part in for the last 40 years, ever since I was a small child. My daughter, aged 11, was with me. She might, one day, be one
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Joint effort
HAVING read both local newspapers in this fine town of Bromsgrove since I began working here, I'm pleased to see that community needs are being addressed. However, I am slightly confused about your recent story on Catshill day centre. Both the Advertiser
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Not our job
UNDER Bromsgrove's wheelie bin scheme why should we do half the refuse collector's job? We have to struggle with the bins and boxes, taking them to the kerbside, but we pay for this 'service' with the Council Tax charges. I believe in recycling but surely
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'Fishers in exile
THE Kingfishers had to do some last minute calling around to get a game on Saturday after Birmingham Exiles cried off at the last minute. Droitwich seconds answered the call but would only play a Redditch Development Squad rather than the full first team
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Rovers face injury headache
DEFENDER Ross Collins could miss Bromsgrove Rovers' crucial promotion clash at in-form Clevedon Town on Saturday. The influential defender limped off mid-way through the first half in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Yate. And it looks as though Collins might not
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60 years ago February 24 1945
SERIOUS overcrowding at St Chad's School in Rubery resulted in a plan to erect huts in an adjacent field to accommodate some of the pupils. Class sizes ranged from 40 to 50 and in one case two classes comprising a total of 84 pupils were sharing one classroom
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Striker spurs spirited Rovers
Yate Town 2 Bromsgrove Rovers 2 Southern League Division One West DEBUTANT Carl Tranter sparked a Bromsgrove Rovers revival to ensure a deserved share of the points in an eventful promotion clash, after Yate had streaked into the lead on Saturday. Tranter
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Dismissal ends Villa's hopes
Old Hill Town 2 Fairfield Villa 1 A SENDING off ruined Villa's chances of defeating high-flying Old Hill on Saturday. Fairfield had been comfortably holding their promotion chasing rivals until Karl Jones was sent off for foul and abusive language directed
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Spa made to pay penalty
Warwick Town 4 Droitwich Spa 4 SPA allowed a healthy lead to slip through their grasp as relegation battling Warwick stole a point on Saturday. Droitwich had been leading 3-1 at one stage but the home side fought back to take a precious point in the Midland
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Alcester rue last second slip-up
Coventry Dunlop 13 Alcester 10 A LAST second slip cost Alcester a rare upset against promotion hopefuls Coventry in an evenly matched affair. With Alcester just three points down at the game's death kicker Scott Carmichael stepped up to at least level
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Bitter taste
I WELL remember the late Councillor Thelma Hammond, at the time of local government re-organisation in 1969, stating 'plums and salt don't mix'. She was referring to the amalgamation of Droitwich with the fruit growing areas of the Vale of Evesham to
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We're being deceived
IT would appear that the big business interests are trying to deceive the residents who live near the Yew Tree Hill Water Tower, near Droitwich. An application has been made to Wychavon District Council for the replacement of two equipment cabins with
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Firm's green belt dilemma
A WYTHALL manager says he is facing a "double-edged sword" after planning permission was granted to extend his business onto green belt land. Dave Nicholls, owner of timber merchant Wythall Sawmills, on Alcester Road, said he had received complaints from
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Networking works!
A PAIR of businesswomen have decided to launch their own series of networking events in the Redditch area. Dawn Ryder, of Ryder HR Solutions, has joined forces with Linsey Ellis, from Butterfly Designs, to form Dynamic Connections, which holds its first
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Dawn's full of beans
AN Abbeydale woman has spilt the beans about a budding business on the back of a motorised tricycle. Dawn Corrigan, of Easemore Road, will be taking to the streets of Redditch to sell less costly Italian coffees, cappucinos and other winter warmers. Mrs
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Storing up success
ALCESTER-based Torex Retail has secured a major contract to deliver a computer system to Liverpool-based department store giant Lewis's. The contract will see Torex deliver a £275,000 installation of its Encore Windows POS and back office store system
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Secret garden
LOVERS of exotic flora and fauna have an opportunity to explore Birmingham's Botanical Gardens for the knock down price of £2 on Sunday week (February 27). Those with green fingers can treat themselves by rooting around the numerous landscaped gardens
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Historic cars
ENOUGH classic cars to fill a multi-storey car-park will be on show at the International Historic Motorsport Show this Saturday and Sunday. Petrol heads can watch vintage sport vehicles put being through their paces at a championship level autotest on
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Decisions on barriers
"EXPERTS highlight sites for barriers" read the headline in the Evening News. To my mind, the flood plain as shown is flawed on the town side of the plan around areas 4 and 5. The 2000 flood reached as far as the CrownGate Bus Station. It does seem foolish
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Mary quite contrary
I SEE Mary Dhonau leans more to the Right these days. She dubbed Mike Foster as desperate, but how desperate can you get - joining in with the Tory candidate against Labour. Still, it just shows how inexperienced she is in political matters. I think she
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Apologies a trifle late
SORRY, "Friends of Swanirvar" (Evening News, Tuesday, February 15) but, instead of reaching out to us, shouldn't Hindu/Muslim apologies have arrived from the Indian continent by now? As a serving soldier in India in the late 40s, I am weary of being told
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Money is ours in the first place
IT would be helpful to clarify in relation to L Spiteri's comments (Letters, Monday, February 21) that the EU subsidies we receive are actually our own money being given back to us. As is well known, we are the main paymaster for the EU, so it has clearly
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Stop blaming motorists ... and look at politicians
REGARDING Mike Parkin's letter headlined "The traffic is to blame" (Evening News, Monday, February 14) I suggest Mr Parkin shifts his gun sight from the motorist, to the "development mad," in the Guildhall and County Hall, and opens fire on the politicians
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Lancaster City 0 Worcester City 2
Tuesday, February 22, 2005 REJUVENATED Worcester City turned in one of their finest away performances of the season last night to win 2-0 at Lancaster City. Second-half strikes from Adam Webster and Nick Colley were just reward for a solid and cultured
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Come play with us
TOTS at a village playgroup are looking for new playmates. The Bromsgrove branch of the National Childbirth Trust runs a toddler group at Catshill Village Hall, in Golden Cross Lane, on Mondays from 2-4pm. The group is well-established but numbers are
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Just what happens to your rubbish once it's collected?
DESPITE an unconvincing start to the town's recycling scheme, Bromsgrove District Council says it is growing in success and will only get stronger in the coming years, writes Chris Flavell. As part of that new-found confidence, the Advertiser/Messenger
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Ready, teddy, go!
TOTS at a Spa school treated their teddies to a tasty picnic to mark the end of a project about their furry friends. Children at St Joseph's RC Primary School had been getting creative and went into the woods around the school to collect twigs and sticks
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Binman took knife to party
A refuse collector armed himself with a bread knife after his girlfriend refused to leave a party at a neighbour's flat. James Gibb told police he took it for his own protection because there were six men among the partygoers. But after a row with his
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Brigade girls come of age
DROITWICH Spa Girls' Brigade has come of age. The popular girls' group, which currently has 33 members, is celebrating its 21st birthday. Shirley Searle, Girls' Brigade captain, said the group held a party to mark the occasion complete with a delicious
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Armed raiders hit post office
THIEVES armed with handguns smashed their way into a post office counter before fleeing with cash. The terrifying raid took place at Barnt Green Post Office, Hewell Road, last Friday at about 11.15am. Two men entered the newsagents, which has a post office
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And the winner is . . .
MONEY-spinning bank staff raised stacks of cash when they held a raffle in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Staff at Lloyds TSB in Victoria Square, who have chosen the organisation as their charity of the year, were overwhelmed by the prizes offered by
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Top-level £2m bid for sheltered housing
ELDERLY folk in Droitwich Spa could benefit from a £2million sheltered housing scheme if a bid to the Department of Health is successful. The decision on the extra care housing bid, which will mean more freedom and independence for elderly people who
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Review of out-of-hours service
A REVIEW of out-of-hours GP services in Bromsgrove is being undertaken by health bosses four months after new arrangements were put into place. Neil Bucktin, director of primary care at the Redditch and Bromsgrove Primary Care Trust, said a study was
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Give bone marrow
A SPECIAL clinic is being held in Droitwich Spa to encourage more residents to become bone marrow donors. Droitwich Rugby Football Club is hosting a special recruitment session where townsfolk can join the Anthony Nolan Trust bone marrow donation register
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Josh Rouse Nashville
For those turned off by the sounds of country music, don't be put off by the title of singer/songwriter Josh Rouse's fifth album. Nashville is the first offering I have heard from Rouse and it had a similar effect to hearing David Gray for the first time
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The Grudge (15)
IT'S a bad time to be a rich kid in Mexico City with desperate kidnappers working overtime to secure huge ransoms from wealthy parents. Creasy (Denzel Washington), a washed-up, alcoholic marine, is hired as a bodyguard to protect Pita (Dakota Fanning)
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FESTIVAL FEVER!
JOOLS Holland and Girls Aloud are just two of the top acts lined up to appear in Redditch's biggest and most ambitious music and arts festival ever. More than 20,000 people are expected to descend on Arrow Valley Park for two huge concerts on June 4 and
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Council tax to go up by 3.8pc
REDDITCH homeowners face a council tax hike of 3.8 per cent. Redditch Council upped their rate by three per cent at a meeting on Monday night. But the overall rise also takes into account a 3.94 per cent increase from Worcestershire County Council, 4.6
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Shades of romance
LOVE is in the air at Forge Mill Museum's latest exhibition. Visitors to the Victorian Valentine's event can make their own silhouettes, used on Valentine's cards before cameras were invented. And young romantics had the chance to put pen to paper in
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Five-year plan for Redi Centre
A REDDITCH learning centre which was threatened with the axe will continue to operate - but will have to find its own funding. Staff at the Redi Centre, in South Street, Smallwood, have drawn up a five-year business plan outlining how it will generate
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'Ridiculous and dangerous'
TWO bus shelters next to a zebra crossing have been branded "ridiculous and dangerous" by residents and will be ripped out just weeks after being installed. Work carried out on Station Way by former Kingfisher Centre owners Thornfield saw the installation
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College staff in walkout
REDDITCH NEW College lecturers will hit the picket line tomorrow in a one-day strike over pay. About 60 teaching staff are expected to walk out in protest at the average 10 per pay discrepancy between college lecturers and schoolteachers. The action has
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Suicide verdict on depressed teacher
A CORONER recorded a verdict of suicide after a Headless Cross teacher fell from a footbridge in Webheath. Alison Clarke, of Mason Road, was found lying seriously injured on the Bromsgrove Highway at 7.45pm on Thursday, February 10. She later died of
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Hapless robber 'too old to do it'
A bungling robber who crashed the getaway car into a brook has been jailed for four and a half years at Worcester Crown Court. Alan Beamish waded to the bank and arrived home soaked to the knees and into the hands of police. His two accomplices - who
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Landlords call time
A GROWING movement of Redditch and Alcester pub landlords is gathering grassroots support in its battle to win better treatment from the big pub companies. Landlord Dave Lostitch, of the Black Horse, in Mount Pleasant, organised a meeting of landlords
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Misadventure verdict
A man died unexpectedly after breathing in his stomach contents during an operation to repair a broken hip. Sydney Branscomb, of Church Road, Ullenhall, died from aspirational pneumonia at the Alexandra Hospital on January 25. Worcestershire coroner Victor
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Alcester & District Local History Society
MADNESS in Warwickshire was a fascinating talk by Dr John Bland, who practised at the former County Asylum in Hatton, near Warwick. He presented a rare insight into the hospital's development, it's community life and the district's history of patient
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Bromsgrove Rovers fixtures and results 2004/2005
HOME, away (Dr Martens Division One West fixtures unless stated) JULY Tue 20 Stratford Town (Friendly) 1-1 (Frost) Sat 24 AFC TELFORD (Friendly) 2-1 (Szewczyk 2) Tue 27 HEDNESFORD TOWN (Friendly) 1-2 (Frost) Thu 29 KOREA UNIVERSITIES XI (Friendly) 1-4
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A sound project for youth
BUDDING journalists, producers and presenters who need some help kick-starting their radio careers can take part in a week-long project at Kingsley College in April. Kingsley's Youth Centre will be turned into a 24-hour radio station from April 18-23
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Runner makes his mark in national finals
LONG distance runner Mark Miles finished third in the National Cross Country Championships on Saturday. The Bromsgrove resident, a member of London's Belgrave Harriers Athletic Club, finished the 12 kilometre course at Cofton Park in 38 minutes and 28
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County teams impress in league
LOCAL teams produced strong performances in the Worcester Winter League's second round on Saturday. Bromsgrove Swimming Club finished runners-up behind leaders Perry Beeches A, while Droitwich Dolphins were close behind in third place. Bromsgrove were
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Alcester Gardening Club
The February meeting started with the AGM. Members were told that although membership was a little low, the club had had a successful year with good trips and speakers. The treasurer's report told of a small loss this year caused by lack of support for
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Second chance for point-to-point
THE Harkaway Club's point-to-point meeting at Chaddesley Corbett fell victim to the weather two weeks ago but has been re-scheduled for this Saturday, 26th February. Tenbury Wells trainer Nick Shutts was pleased with Foly Pleasants win at Weston Park,
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Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
THE second half of the 2004/2005 season of meetings organised by the Redditch & Alcester Group of the GWR started well, with Colin Bennet presenting a slide show called Steam and Diesel in the Midlands. Local steam shots ranged from an open day at
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Williams at the double
HOCKEY: Yardley 1st XI 3 Droitwich Spa 1st XI 4 BARRY Williams salvaged a precious win on Saturday to keep Droitwich's title hopes alive. Williams late winner from a short corner sealed a Droitwich fight back after Spa had fallen 3-1 down at half time
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Inner Wheel Club of Alcester
THE club began the year on January 7 by joining with Rotary and other charity groups in Alcester to collect money for the tsunami disaster appeal. Inner Wheel members manned the pitch in the middle of Alcester High Street from 9.30am until 3.30pm. A total
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Bromsgrove set their sights on promotion
HOCKEY: Aldridge 2nd XI 0 Bromsgrove 2nd XI 3 BROMSGROVE took another stride towards promotion from the West Midlands Division Two on Saturday. Tom Jennings opened the scoring when he converted Karl Troth's cross. Shaun Jackson doubled the lead, before
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Ipsley WI
A BUSY February meeting was enjoyed by Ipsley WI members and one visitor. An ad hoc committee has formed to organise a members' meeting in April, several members have accepted invitations from Kingfisher WI to celebrate their 21st birthday and Crabbs
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Underdogs handed chance in cup action
TEAMS from the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League Division Two had their chance to beat teams from the higher tier in the Handicap Cup week. With lower ranked teams awarded extra points the pressure was on the Division One sides to score highly
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Redditch Photographic Society
THE society recently hosted the annual Six Societies Trophy. The competition was contested between Redditch, Kings Norton, Wythall, Bromsgrove, Northfield Phoenix and Kings Heath & Hall Green. It was an enjoyable evening with a high standard of work
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Shirley Chrysanthemum Society
THE main topic at the recent meeting was the ''Hot Water'' treatment of stools. The general opinion was this resulted in more healthy cuttings. This was followed by each member giving his formula for the rooting compost. There were a number of variations
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Wythall History Society
AFTER working for 30 years for a leading brewery, surveying their buildings and maintaining the signs on their pubs, Maurice Dunn is a leading expert on the subject of pub signs - especially as his great hobby in retirement is delving into the history
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Change in law angers hunt's master
A "LIVID" Alcester hunt master has said country folk are gradually being ruined by "jealous" townsfolk who do not understand the countryside. Joint master of the Croome and West Warwickshire Hunt, Pat Allen, said legislation brought in at the weekend
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Decision time for revamp bid
ALCESTER folk will find out tomorrow whether a £1.2m development at the Greig Centre's sports hall is given the go-ahead. Plans to build the two-storey extension, which will wrap around part of the present building adding multi-purpose rooms, gym and
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Unpaid hours
EMPLOYEES working unpaid extra hours can now send their manager an anonymous message, suggesting that he or she should show some gratitude for their overtime. This Friday is "Work Your Proper Hours" day and workers can log on to the TUC's website www.workyour
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No show blow to promoters
TWO Alcester men are still determined to bring entertainment to the over 30s in the town, despite losing more than £2,000 during their last venture. Steve Richford and Pete Laight felt the very young and very old in Alcester were catered for but there
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Rethink for overworked women
A COMPLETE cultural rethink is needed to break the cycle of women putting in long hours at work and at home, while continuing to earn less money than men, according to a new report. Married women and those with children have increasingly found work over
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Text scheme
PUPILS at St Benedict's RC High School will be using text to tackle bullying as part of a £185,000 countywide scheme. Students at the Kinwarton Road school are among those benefiting from Text2Talk, an initiative which encourages victims to report incidents
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Dancers land top title
A HEADLESS Cross dancing group did more than toe the line when they won a prestigious line dancing competition. Members of Bootleggers line dancing club, who practise at the Rocklands Social Club, travelled to Brean Sands to join 1,000 others in the European
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Choir's church concert
ST Bartholomew's Church in Tardebigge will be filled with the haunting and powerful sound of Alcester Male Voice Choir on Saturday, March 19. The internationally acclaimed choir, which has sung in many prestigious venues around the world, is holding the
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Future for crche is brighter
A BATCHLEY crche threatened with closure has won a stay of execution. Worcestershire County Council has agreed to carry on funding The Children's Centre, Hawthorne Road, while negotiations about its future continue. The popular 20-year-old crche was earmarked
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It's still one of the best
Review - Tommy at the Hippodrome Theatre, Birmingham, until Saturday. PULSATING and powerful. A rock opera that has lost none of its magic or appeal in the 36 years since it was originally devised and recorded by one of my favourite groups, The Who. Tommy
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Kwame cooks up a storm
CASUALTY and Celebrity Fame Academy star Kwame Kwei-Armah takes to the stage at Birmingham's Repertory Theatre to star in his own award-winning play from Friday. Elmina's Kitchen, described as "a darkly hilarious firecracker of a play" is the story of
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Doctor's orders!
THE Ullenhall Players are bringing their successful production, It Runs in the Family, to the Palace Theatre for a short run, beginning today. Written by Ray Cooney and directed by Adam Schumacher, the highly acclaimed farce is set in the doctors' common
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Verity sets sights on West End spot
A PLACE at a top theatre school has been won by a local teenager. Fourteen-year-old Verity Evans, from College Green, Droitwich Spa, competed against thousands of other youngsters to win a place at the Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in Lon-don. Verity,
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Secret garden
LOVERS of exotic flora and fauna have an opportunity to explore Birmingham's Botanical Gardens for the knock down price of £2 on Sunday week (February 27). Those with green fingers can treat themselves by rooting around the numerous landscaped gardens
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Historic cars
ENOUGH classic cars to fill a multi-storey car-park will be on show at the International Historic Motorsport Show this Saturday and Sunday. Petrol heads can watch vintage sport vehicles put being through their paces at a championship level autotest on
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Shark Tale (U)
HOT on the fins of Finding Nemo is computer-generated underwater children's comedy, Shark Tale. The story centres on a smooth-talking fish named Oscar (Will Smith) who is constantly in a scrape. A series of events leaves Oscar sitting next to a dead shark
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The Grudge (15)
THIS horror flick does a really poor job of trying to conceal the fact that it's a poor man's version of The Ring. An American nurse (Sarah Michelle Gellar) finds herself caught up in a series of gruesome, unexplained murders while on work experience
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The Grudge (15)
IT'S a bad time to be a rich kid in Mexico City with desperate kidnappers working overtime to secure huge ransoms from wealthy parents. Creasy (Denzel Washington), a washed-up, alcoholic marine, is hired as a bodyguard to protect Pita (Dakota Fanning)
